Fwd: June 6 - Daily Feast

June 6 - Daily Feast Too little is being done because so many are looking for recognition and avoiding involvement where no one sees and applauds. Right this minute someone has a great need and has no idea how to get it met. Someone feels alone and without a person to tell them they can make it. A child needs reassurance and love and protection from real and imagined enemies. Reach past personal woes and see these people and these situations and help - even without glory. The good of it will come back. It always does. ~ The evil spirit said, "I want half the people of the earth." The Great Spirit said, "No, I cannot give you any; I love them all too much." KICKING BEAR - SIOUX "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 6 "We need to save those Elders who cannot speak for themselves -- the trees." --Haida Gwaii, Traditional Circle of Elders The trees are the Elders of the Earth. Go to the forest or to the mountains and find a young tree. Then find and old tree. Spend time with each. Sit by the young tree and listen to your thoughts. Then move to an old tree and listen to your thoughts again. Just being in the presence of an old tree, you will feel more calm. Your thoughts will contain wisdom and your answers will be deeper. Why is this so? These old trees know more, have heard more and are the Elders of the Earth. We must ensure these trees live so we can learn from them. My Creator, help me to protect the trees and listen to them. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Why is it that we require so much scientific proof for the most ordinary things these days, when the very fact that we lie down and close our eyes at night is the highest proof that God's world is in order. Though perhaps our personal world may not know such sequence. There comes a time when our human limitations insist that we lay down our questions and accept by faith the only way to survive ourselves. There are those who say they must have tangible evidence that the world and all its wonders be displayed before their eyes to see in wisdom the way things really are. And yet who said the human eyes could see or ears could hear more than one tiny bit of the wonder. Who could be so bold as to believe their senses were strong enough to know, except through faith. Who could see with the visible eye the hand that changes the seasons, or hear Job's stars that sang together at dawn. Who set the day at rest and brings the morning in all its newness. Only so far....then explanations know no more....and though we try to disbelieve when all goes wrong, there comes a time when we want no more explanation than that God's world is in order - and we cannot change it. Surely if someone took our hand and asked us to walk along the world and view the wonders so magnificently displayed....If by some miracle we could see the vastness of it all at once, and still bear up under the beauty of it..... If we can see the rolling rise and fall of the land - the purple, pink, and golden hues of shadows hung along the mountain sides....If our ears could hear the music of the rippling streams, the rushing waters, the graceful falls. If by some mere chance we could sense the ebb and flow, the push and relaxing of the tides, the rise and set of the sun, the glittering stars and soft-faced moon that ignores the fact that other worlds encircle ours..... And as the seasons sprinkle rain and flowers, goldenleaves and snowfall....On this continuous circle.....always new.....always beautiful..... If we can see all this, how then, can we doubt that the earth that God created and saw as good is good. This is our land, and only our own forgetfulness of its source can make it different. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!

 http://gentledeer.blogspot.com/

                                                      

"Indian blood is like gold, no matter how thinly spun it shines just as bright."

 

"Only if we stand together as one people can we hope to overcome all the injustices suffered by our people.  We have to learn to agree to disagree, and stand as one people regardless of our personal differences." 

Strong Heart Woman

Fwd: June 5 - Daily Feast

June 5 - Daily Feast Following a certain line of thought brings us to question theories and opinions that flow to us through open windows. What are we supposed to think or believe or follow? We can get into trouble following someone who seems reliable and important and interested in us. A common bond may be the answer - but what do we have in common with someone so far removed from our own way of thinking? It is our personal responsibility to know where we are going - is it a path of peace or is it a place where nothing can grow? ~ Teach us the road to travel and we will not depart from it forever. ~ SATANK - KIOWA CHIEF, 1871 "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 5 "It is not through the great skill of the hunter himself that success is achieved, but through the hunter's awareness of his place in Creation and his relationship to all things." --Thomas Yellowtail, CROW If only the human being could understand the power of proper relationships, the need for power and control could be abandoned. It's not what is going on that matters, but how we look at what is going on. It's our relationship to it that counts. Nothing in the world has any meaning except the meaning we give to it. To be more effective at this, we need to consider our relationship with the Creator. Our relationship to the Great Spirit determines how we will perceive the meanings we put to places, people, institutions and things. We need to let the Creator tell us and guide our thoughts about these relationships. Any relationship that we have that is causing problems means we need to pray for a new point of view. Creator, let me see the world and the people through your eyes. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Autumn, described by John Keats as the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, is the most restful of all seasons. We are sensitive to a change of seasons. And at this particular time we stop to consider what our harvest is, and then the age-old promise to ourselves that next year will be better, and more productive. But now the peace and serenity of the season is upon us, and the Artist has painted for our eyes to see the most beautiful of all seasons - the autumn. Scattered frost has touched everything just enough to give a mottled pattern of brown and green. Early morning mists, blue and gray, hang low in the hills; brilliant red sumac and maples gold and burgundy stand out like jewels among the yellow elms. There is a whole new world for those who wish to open their spiritual eyes. We need to insist that worries take the back seat while we sniff the sweet scent of wood smoke, and see the lavender-pink sunsets and autumn haze that settles like soft blue fingers through the valleys. This is a picture for the soul by the Master Artist. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

 http://gentledeer.blogspot.com/

                                                      

"Indian blood is like gold, no matter how thinly spun it shines just as bright."

 

"Only if we stand together as one people can we hope to overcome all the injustices suffered by our people.  We have to learn to agree to disagree, and stand as one people regardless of our personal differences." 

Strong Heart Woman

Fwd: June 4 - Daily Feast

June 4 - Daily Feast Break away from fear of someone's mouth. Let them talk, because it is to their own destruction. Remember the saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." Bones will knit together again, but sometimes words are remembered for a lifetime. Criticism bends everyone - especially children - until a world of dreams is shattered and what could have been beautiful is ugly. Close your ears to criticism. It only fouls up the fine tuning of the soul and spirit that makes living worth its salt. ~ I hold up my hand and I do not wish to fight. ~ LITTLE WOLF - CHEYENNE "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 4 "Wakan Tanka never stops creating." --Archie Fire Lame Deer, LAKOTA The Medicine Wheel teaches about change. It says that which is created will fall apart; that which is loose, will be used to create new. In other words, everything on Earth is participating in a constant change that is being directed by an order of laws and principles which were originated by the Great Spirit. We humans are equipped with natural change abilities. We have the ability to vision; we can use imagination and imagery; we can change belief, attitude, habits and expectations. We need to know ourselves and we need to know how we work inside to enable us to change naturally. Great Spirit, teach me to change in harmony. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler I don't know what time it is. It may be very late, But I have dreams to dream and thoughts to think that simply cannot wait. I don't know what the weather is, it may be sun or snow. But in these books and at this time are things I need to know. I'm not so sure that I'm alone, or if there's someone there; It would be nice to hear a voice, for there is much to share. I don't need to know your faults, they may not be for me. No critic enters in this place, nor do my faults they see, For only One Pure Being knows the time, or shows through your dear face, Only the One Presence fills our hearts to share this quiet space. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

 http://gentledeer.blogspot.com/

                                                      

"Indian blood is like gold, no matter how thinly spun it shines just as bright."

 

"Only if we stand together as one people can we hope to overcome all the injustices suffered by our people.  We have to learn to agree to disagree, and stand as one people regardless of our personal differences." 

Strong Heart Woman

Fwd: June 3 - Daily Feast

June 3 - Daily Feast The search for peace of mind has reached into areas grown dangerous. But like nearly all pursuits for peace, there is a hook on the end of many remedies. Too much sinks its claws in and will not let go - even to our destruction. Most people do not want to hear there is a spiritual answer to their dilemmas. They prefer "other" ways that have side effects. The spiritual way is totally free of interference and very personal, as any Indian will tell you. Ha dv da s da - listen. Listen and hear. ~ Possibly you may be looking for someone with a strong heart. Possibly you may be intending to do something for me better than I know of. ~ BLACK KETTLE - PRINCIPAL CHIEF OF THE CHEYENNE "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler <<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 3 "IN THE BEGINNING were the Instructions... The Instructions was to live in a good way and be respectful to everybody and everything." --Vickie Downey, TEWA/Tesuque Pueblo A long time ago, in the beginning, the Creator gave to all people and to all things the Wisdom and the knowledge of how to live in harmony. Some tribes call these teachings the original Instructions, the original teachings, or the Great Laws. All of Nature still lives and survives according to these teachings. In modern times, human beings are searching for the Instructions. Many churches claim they have these Instructions. Where are these teachings? The Instructions are written in our hearts. Great Spirit, today, whisper to me the secrets of the original Instructions. <<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* THINK on THESE THINGS By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Some of the dearest moments ever spent are those on the road I didn't want to travel. And some of the most magnificent doors I've ever passed through are where before there was no way. Some of the kindest people I shall ever know are the ones I didn't want to meet. And the greatest abundance I've ever received came from a pittance I wanted to withhold. Tears I have wanted to shed have turned to happiness because for a moment I could see beyond them. And hope has saved everything when I wanted most to give up in despair. And suddenly I realize how great my progress could be if I could get myself and my emotions out of the way. How hard I push against the door that opens inward - inward, where faith and hope and trust abide. There's not enough ambling done any more There are too many deadlines. Time for a favorite TV show, time to take pills, time for appointments, time to catch a plane. Life is one continual alarm clock. Never a gentle gait, but always at a dogtrot to meet those deadlines. It seems that dawdling along or staring into space is a waste of time, as the ambitious, eager for superiority, move dangerously ahead. Many great people have known the wisdom of safeguarding their health and security by taking time to analyze, not in the role of fact sifting, but by allowing the mind to amble, to drift openly from thought to thought. This sitting idly on the sidelines and fishing quietly in the mind can catch many a solution that casting would never hook. After a period of creative silence, attacking any deadline is made simple. The mind has had time to lay down the brittle aggressiveness and is ready to operate efficiently. Even physical weariness passes and the goal ahead isn't so far in the distance. When there isn't time to go fishing, remember the words of American author William Mathews: "Knowledge is acquired by study and observation, but wisdom cometh by opportunity of leisure. The ripest thoughts come from a mind which is not always on the stretch, but fed, at times, by a wise passiveness." *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

 http://gentledeer.blogspot.com/

                                                      

"Indian blood is like gold, no matter how thinly spun it shines just as bright."

 

"Only if we stand together as one people can we hope to overcome all the injustices suffered by our people.  We have to learn to agree to disagree, and stand as one people regardless of our personal differences." 

Strong Heart Woman

Fwd: June 2 - Daily Feast

June 2 - Daily Feast We can change things around us in a number of ways, but it is change in ourselves that makes the biggest difference. To control the door to our minds and decide clearly and precisely what we let in and what can be put out is the beginning. When we are tired of the same dumb mistakes, the same worn ideas, the need for change but nothing is done to start it, then the time has come to see if we really have a goal at all. The biggest obstacle is thinking we have gone too far to change. Clearly it is an idea that should be put outside the mind and the door firmly closed. ~ The path to glory is rough....may the Great Spirit shed light on yours. ~ BLACK HAWK, 1833 "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 2 "The Natural Law is the final and absolute authority governing, E Te No Ha, the earth we call our Mother." --Traditional Circle of Elders There is no power greater than the Natural Laws. These powers were set up by the Great Spirit in such a way that the human being has no access to it, except by obeying. If we choose not to follow the Natural Laws, our live will be filled with confusion, tension, anxiety and stress. If we poison the Earth, we poison ourselves. If we poison the Water of the Earth, we poison ourselves. As we do to the Earth, we do to ourselves and our children, even the children unborn. May we think about this today and ask ourselves, "Are we holding and acting toward the Mother Earth in a good way?" Great Spirit, teach me the Natural Laws that govern the Earth. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* THINK on THESE THINGS By Joyce Sequichie Hifler It is said that pearls worn by a happy person have a warm and more lustrous glow. Pearls are like the gentle moments strung together for the happy person - they cannot help but glow. Gentle moments, like pearls, seem to be so few. Yet, how rich and warm and beautiful they make our lives. It takes only a few moments to enjoy a talk with someone about good things instead of the bad; it takes only a few moments to drop a line to a shut-in when attention means so much. It takes only a few moments to see a sunset, or read a Scripture, or listen to a child talk. It takes only a few moments to open the door to happiness. And if happiness seems only a few moments long, so will trouble if we open the door and let it out instead of harboring it. Life is made up of a few moments all strung together like pearls. Each moment is a pearl, and it is up to us to pick the ones with the highest luster. If we do not have time to do great things, take a few gentle moments and do small things in a great way. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

 http://gentledeer.blogspot.com/

                                                      

"Indian blood is like gold, no matter how thinly spun it shines just as bright."

 

"Only if we stand together as one people can we hope to overcome all the injustices suffered by our people.  We have to learn to agree to disagree, and stand as one people regardless of our personal differences." 

Strong Heart Woman

Lakota Country Article

Read about the Gates Scholarship nominees in Lakota Country.

http://www.lakotacountrytimes.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=620&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=1605&hn=lakotacountrytimes&he=.com

Fwd: June 1 - Daily Feast

SIX Su tali GREEN CORN MONTH Da Tsa lu'nee I was born upon the prairie, where the wind blew free, and there was nothing to break the light of the sun. I was born where everything drew a free breath. I want to die there, and not within walls. TEN BEARS - COMANCHE June 1 - Daily Feast Long ago in Hopi country a young Indian boy went away to school and learned easily the way of the white man. But all tribes have a way of wanting to go back to beginnings when they are mature. Such was the case with the Sun Chief and he related how his frame of mind shifted. "I had learned many English words and could recite part of the Ten Commandments. I knew how to sleep in a bed, pray to Jesus, comb my hair, eat with a knife and fork, and use a toilet....and I also learned that a white person thinks with his head instead of his heart." ~ He never claimed that the power of articulate speech was proof of superiority over the dumb creation. ~ OHIYESA - DAKOTA "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 1 "You have to have a lot of patience to hear those old people talk, because when they talk, they talk about motivation, the feeling, the unsound that is around the universe. They explain everything to one understanding. They bring it all together, and when they finish, just one word comes out. Just one word. They might talk all day, and just one word comes out." --Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA We need to be careful about judging the old ones when we talk. At first they may not make sense to us. Maybe we'll say they're old fashioned and don't understand. But the old ones do understand! When they speak, listen very carefully. Often it will take weeks or maybe even years before we understand what they are really saying. This is the way of Wisdom. We need to listen, listen, listen. Great Spirit, today, open my ears so I can hear the Elders. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* THINK on THESE THINGS By Joyce Sequichie Hifler When winter presses a cold, gray hand against every living thing and temporarily puts to sleep all outward growth and activity of other seasons, there is within a quiet, invisible, but very active preparation for a lighter, warmer time. There are times when the winters of life press hard upon us, seeming to keep from us any hope for good. But as the coldest winter does not prevent a tulip from developing a blaze of color within the bulb, there is nothing to prevent our own inner growth. We quite naturally want the things that will make us happy and we want them now. But there is still a time of preparation, the development of our abilities to recognize the good and the beautiful when we see it. Otherwise, we are apt to look past them, still searching. The tulip has a plan drawn by God's hand, and more beautiful than anything we can make. We have a way of moving from one time to another, waiting for life to come to us instead of having a plan. But during those waiting periods we need to make a little effort to determine the course and to be ready when the right time comes. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

 http://gentledeer.blogspot.com/

                                                      

"Indian blood is like gold, no matter how thinly spun it shines just as bright."

 

"Only if we stand together as one people can we hope to overcome all the injustices suffered by our people.  We have to learn to agree to disagree, and stand as one people regardless of our personal differences." 

Strong Heart Woman